as in reactions
a strong public response against something
There was swift backlash to the senator's controversial comments.
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Recent Examples of backlashes
And sometimes backlashes are built out of nothing.
—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2026
And Target has also dealt with boycotts and backlashes to the company’s political and social stances, such as its rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion pledges and its decision not to publicly oppose the surge of immigration enforcement in its hometown.
—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2026
Previous backlashes led to laws like California’s Proposition 13, a 1978 initiative that limited property tax rates and how much local governments could increase property valuations for tax purposes.
—
Jeff Amy,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Throughout history, disruptive technologies have often provoked violent backlashes.
—
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Unless major economies accept equivalent limits on their ability to manage credit, currencies, and external accounts, the world will see recurring beggar-thy-neighbor tensions, protectionist backlashes, and a fragmented trading order.
—
Michael Pettis,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Nov. 2025
In recent years, companies like Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl have faced similar backlashes over designs or motifs perceived as too similar to traditional works.
—
Isa Cardona,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2026
And Target has also dealt with boycotts and backlashes to the company’s political and social stances, such as its rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion pledges and its decision not to publicly oppose the surge of immigration enforcement in its hometown.
—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2026
Previous backlashes led to laws like California’s Proposition 13, a 1978 initiative that limited property tax rates and how much local governments could increase property valuations for tax purposes.
—
Jeff Amy,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Throughout history, disruptive technologies have often provoked violent backlashes.
—
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Unless major economies accept equivalent limits on their ability to manage credit, currencies, and external accounts, the world will see recurring beggar-thy-neighbor tensions, protectionist backlashes, and a fragmented trading order.
—
Michael Pettis,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Nov. 2025
In recent years, companies like Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl have faced similar backlashes over designs or motifs perceived as too similar to traditional works.
—
Isa Cardona,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backlashes
reactions
Noun
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Brown watched reactions pour in online alongside her husband, Jake Bongiovi, after the finale dropped on New Year’s Eve.
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While bedbugs are not known to spread or transmit disease, the Environmental Protection Agency considers the parasitic insects a pest that can cause other public health issues such as allergic reactions, secondary infections and mental health impacts on those living in infested homes.
Cite this Entry
“Backlashes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlashes. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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